This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/18/2014.
For next generation Jet fans still thirsting for Super Bowl glory, 1969 remains the benchmark of greatness. After successfully forcing a merger with the NFL in 1966, by Super Bowl III, the upstart AFL had yet to prove its ability to hang with the big clubs of the NFL. Super Bowls I and II saw lopsided losses for AFL teams, so it was no surprise that the Baltimore Colts were 18 point favorites over the New York Jets heading into Super Bowl III. Much more surprising was young Jet quarterback Joe Namath’s famous guarantee of victory, a legendary promise that he would live up to. But to be sure, the Jets made big plays when it counted. At the end of the first half, with the Jets up 7-0, the threatening Colts looked to steal momentum for themselves with a flea flicker play that fooled everyone in the stadium, everyone except Jets’ safety Jim Hudson that is, who intercepted the endzone bound pass as time expired in the half. From there the Jets remained in control, holding onto the ball for all but three minutes of the third quarter and extending their lead to 16-0 by the beginning of the fourth. Despite a late game touchdown by the Colts, Super Bowl MVP Joe Namath accomplished just what he set out to do, bringing Super Bowl victory to New York in one of the most memorable Super Bowls in league history. RK-2 Riddell Kra-Lite original suspension helmet. Size 7 3/8 screen printed inside. “22 HUDSON” is written inside in black marker. The helmet shows tremendous game-use.